Footwear Retention Elastic Device

ABSTRACT

A footwear retention elastic device is provided and may comprise a band body comprising a planar structure with a first side surface and a second side surface opposite that of the first side surface. The band body may further comprise a first terminal end and a second terminal end opposite that of the first terminal end. The band body may comprise a protective layer disposed upon the first side surface such that the protective layer covers at least a majority of the first side surface of the band body. The band body may comprise a buffer layer disposed upon the second side surface such that the buffer layer covers at least a majority of the second side surface of the band body.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/120,137, entitled “Footwear Retention Elastic Device,” filed Dec. 1, 2020. The contents of this application are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Footwear is a feature of nearly every living person's life and is a fixture within every culture worldwide. Within the United States, the footwear market generated almost 80 billion dollars in revenue during the 2017 business year. Further, the average revenues generated by the shoe industry in the United States per person was $277.09 in 2019 while the average cost per each pair of footwear was over $61 for the consumer. Therefore, consumers of footwear value their purchases inherently and so desire to properly wear their footwear even at the expense of purchasing add-on accessories.

Specifically, fashion-related sales accounted for over 20% of the footwear industry's total revenue in 2019. Users purchasing footwear articles for fashion purposes are highly selective in their purchases and pay a premium above the average cost to obtain their footwear articles. Therefore, fashion consumers value their footwear more than the average footwear consumer and so care even more about properly wearing their footwear. However, fashion footwear is often difficult to properly wear such as in the case of high-heels, boots, loafers and the like. For example, if the fashion footwear article does not properly fit the consumer's foot, the footwear article will often move on and off the foot as the consumer walks. This can lead to injury to the consumer's foot as the footwear article rubs against the foot as it moves on and off. Further, this issue reduces the ability for the customer to effectively walk while wearing the footwear article. Additionally, the footwear article itself is at risk of being damaged as it moves on and off the foot and generally is at higher risk of being lost altogether in such circumstances.

Therefore, it would be advantageous to provide a footwear retention elastic device that keeps the footwear article secured to the foot while walking or even running and without damaging the aesthetics of the footwear article or the consumer's foot. Further, it would be advantageous to provide a footwear retention elastic device that is selectively removable and attachable from the footwear article in a manner that is easily achieved.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a footwear retention elastic device having vertically disposed complimentary coupling elements in association with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1B illustrates a cross-sectional view of a footwear retention elastic device having horizontally disposed complimentary coupling elements in association with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1C illustrates a cross-sectional view of a footwear retention elastic device having a unitary fabricated construction in association with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a footwear system utilizing a footwear retention elastic device disposed around a waist of a high-heeled shoe in association with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a footwear system utilizing a footwear retention elastic device disposed around a waist of a booted shoe in association with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a detailed view of a footwear retention elastic device having a first side material and a second side material in association with some embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Before describing the present invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to any one of the particular embodiments, which of course may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and therefore is not necessarily intended to be limiting. As used in this specification and the appended claims, terms in the singular and the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a footwear retention elastic device” also includes a plurality of footwear retention elastic devices and the like.

In some embodiments, a footwear retention elastic device is provided, comprising a band body comprising a planar structure with a first side surface and a second side surface opposite that of the first side surface, wherein the band body further comprises a first terminal end and a second terminal end opposite that of the first terminal end; a protective layer disposed upon the first side surface, wherein the protective layer covers at least a majority of the first side surface of the band body; and a buffer layer disposed upon the second side surface, wherein the buffer layer covers at least a majority of the second side surface of the band body.

In some embodiments, a coupling mechanism securing the first terminal end to the second terminal end is provided, wherein the coupling mechanism is disposed at the first terminal end and the second terminal end.

In some embodiments, the coupling mechanism comprises a plurality of complimentary coupling elements, and wherein a first coupling element of the plurality of complimentary coupling elements is disposed at the first terminal end and a second coupling element of the plurality of complimentary coupling elements is disposed at the second terminal end.

In some embodiments, the plurality of complimentary coupling elements comprise one or more of a clasp, a button, a magnet, a clip, a patch of hook and loop fasteners, a zipper, fabric ties, elastics, leather trims, shoelace ties or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the band body is fabricated from one or more of polyester, elastane, cotton and any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the band body is manipulated between a default state and an extended state.

In some embodiments, the first terminal end is uncoupled from the second terminal end when the band body is in the default state.

In some embodiments, the first terminal end is coupled to the second terminal end when the band body is in the extended state.

In some embodiments, the band body comprises an elongate shape and a length-by-width dimensional ratio value of between 4 and 9 when the band body is in the extended state.

In some embodiments, in the extended state, the band body provides a minimum restorative force of 2.25 Newtons.

In some embodiments, the protective layer is fabricated from one or more weatherproof materials including polyurethane laminate, thermoplastic polyurethane, waxed cotton, nylon, woven polyester, PVC coated polyester, terylene, laminated cotton, enameled cloth, polyester fleece, polyester microfiber, wool, polyvinyl chloride, micro denier filaments or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the buffer layer is fabricated from one or more non-abrasive materials including cloth, fleece, velvet, elastane, silk satin, cotton linen, woven polyester, plush or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the one or more non-abrasive materials comprise a coefficient of friction with a footwear article of between 0.15 and 0.30.

In some embodiments, the band body is fabricated from a plurality of rubber cores each wrapped in a plurality of fibers, wherein the plurality of rubber cores are woven together into a band.

In some embodiments, the protective layer comprises a plurality of horizontal weaves arranged in parallel rows along the length of the band, wherein the pitch of the parallel rows is between 0.03 inches and 0.05 inches.

In some embodiments, the buffer layer comprises an array of braided diamond-shaped weaves arranged in parallel rows along the length of the band, wherein the pitch of the parallel rows is between 0.06 inches and 0.1 inches.

In some embodiments, the band body is fabricated from a plurality of rubber cores each wrapped in a plurality of fibers, wherein the plurality of rubber cores are woven together into a band; the protective layer comprises a plurality of horizontal weaves arranged in parallel rows along the length of the band; and the buffer layer comprises an array of braided diamond-shaped weaves arranged in parallel rows along the length of the band.

In some embodiments, the band body is fabricated from a plurality of rubber cores each wrapped in a plurality of fibers, wherein the plurality of rubber cores are woven together into a band; the protective layer comprises a plurality of horizontal weaves arranged in parallel rows along the length of the band, wherein the pitch of the parallel rows is between 0.03 inches and 0.05 inches; and the buffer layer comprises an array of braided diamond-shaped weaves arranged in parallel rows along the length of the band, wherein the pitch of the parallel rows is between 0.06 inches and 0.1 inches.

In some embodiments, a footwear retention elastic device is provided, comprising a band body comprising a planar structure with a first side surface and a second side surface opposite that of the first side surface, wherein: the band body further comprises a first terminal end and a second terminal end opposite that of the first terminal end, and the band body is fabricated from a plurality of rubber cores each wrapped in a plurality of fibers, wherein the plurality of rubber cores are woven together into a band; a protective layer disposed upon the first side surface, wherein: the protective layer covers at least a majority of the first side surface of the band body, and the protective layer comprises a plurality of horizontal weaves arranged in parallel rows along the length of the band; and a buffer layer disposed upon the second side surface, wherein: the buffer layer covers at least a majority of the second side surface of the band body, and the buffer layer comprises an array of braided diamond-shaped weaves arranged in parallel rows along the length of the band.

In some embodiments, a footwear retention elastic device is provided, comprising a band body comprising a planar structure with a first side surface and a second side surface opposite that of the first side surface, wherein: the band body further comprises a first terminal end and a second terminal end opposite that of the first terminal end, the band body is fabricated from a plurality of rubber cores each wrapped in a plurality of fibers, wherein the plurality of rubber cores are woven together into a band, and the band body is manipulated between a default state and an extended state, wherein, in the extended state, the band body provides a minimum restorative force of 2.25 Newtons and comprises an elongate shape and a length-by-width dimensional ratio value of between 4 and 9 when the band body is in the extended state; a protective layer disposed upon the first side surface, wherein: the protective layer covers at least a majority of the first side surface of the band body, and the protective layer comprises a plurality of horizontal weaves arranged in parallel rows along the length of the band, wherein the pitch of the parallel rows is between 0.03 inches and 0.05 inches; and a buffer layer disposed upon the second side surface, wherein: the buffer layer covers at least a majority of the second side surface of the band body, and the buffer layer comprises an array of braided diamond-shaped weaves arranged in parallel rows along the length of the band, wherein the pitch of the parallel rows is between 0.06 inches and 0.1 inches.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in the accompanying figures. As shown in FIG. 1A, a footwear retention elastic device 100A is provided in a cross-sectional view. The footwear retention elastic device 100A may preferably comprise a generally planar and elongate dimension with a generally rectangular shape, but may take any suitable form or shape. Specifically, the footwear retention elastic device 100A may comprise a band body 110, a protective layer 120, a buffer layer 130 and a plurality of complimentary coupling elements 140A, 140B.

The band body 110 may comprise a flexible structure that may take the same generally planar elongate dimension and generally rectangular shape as the footwear retention elastic device 100A. Further, the band body 110 may be fabricated from one or more materials allowing elastic flexure of the band body 110 structure in all linear and rotational directions between a default state and an extended state. Elastic flexure necessarily implies the ability for the band body 110 to resume its normal shape spontaneously after contraction, dilation, distortion, flexure and the like. Preferably, the band body 110 may be fabricated from one or more materials that comprise one or more 4-way stretch fabrics. The one or more materials may include, but are not limited to, polyurethane rubber, lycra, spandex, elastane, cotton, silk, wool, velvet and the like or any combination thereof.

The structural dimensions of the band body 110 may conform to a length-by-width ratio value or range of values based upon a ratio calculation of the length divided by the width of the band body 110. In this context, the length of the band body 110 may correspond to the horizontal dimension between terminal ends thereof where the band body 110 extends horizontally across the foot of the individual and around the waist of the associated footwear article. Further, the width of the band body 110 may correspond to the vertical dimension thereof where the band body 110 extends vertically up and down the arch of the foot and along the was it of the associated footwear article.

Specifically, the length-by-width ratio value of the band body 110 may fall within the range between 2.5 and 10.75, but preferably within the range between 4 and 9. Ratio values below 2.5 would provide a band body 110 that is too narrow in its width to be robust enough to retain the footwear article on the individual's foot while running or even walking. Ratio values above 10.75 would provide a band body 110 that is too narrow in its length and so may cut off the circulation of the foot and would be uncomfortable for an individual to wear around their foot. Ratio values between 2.5 and 10.75 provide for band body 110 lengths and widths that allow for an advantageous degree of flexure in the structure of the band body 110 to minimize discomfort and maximize the ability to retain the footwear article on the individual's foot. Further, ratio values between 2.5 and 10.75 allow for variations in design of the band body 110 to accommodate the diversity of the individual's taste as well as variations in size of the band body 110 to accommodate the diversity of the individual's foot and footwear article size.

The protective layer 120 may be disposed over a first side surface of the band body 110 to protect the first side of the band body 110 from environmental contaminants such as dirt, mud, debris, particulates, rain, snow, ice, water, ultraviolet light and the like or any combination thereof. Therefore, the protective layer 120 may be disposed over the first side of the band body 110 in such a manner as to cover at least a majority of the first side thereof. Further, the first side of the band body 110 is preferably oriented in an outward direction from a footwear article around which it is disposed due to the fact that most environmental contaminants will originate from an outward direction from the footwear article. The protective layer 120 may be disposed over the first side surface of the band body 110 in any suitable manner such as, but not limited to, adhesion, lamination, spray-coating, liquid deposition and the like or any combination thereof. However the method of deposition of the protective layer 120 upon the band body 110, the protective layer 120 may preferably be allowed to elastically flex with the band body 110 in all linear and rotational directions.

Further, the protective layer 120 may be fabricated from any suitable weatherproofing materials that exhibits particulate matter protections and hydrophobic characteristics. Such weatherproofing materials include, but are not limited to, polyurethane laminate, thermoplastic polyurethane, waxed cotton, nylon, polyester, PVC coated polyester, terylene, laminated cotton, enameled cloth, polyester fleece, polyester microfiber, wool, polyvinyl chloride, micro denier filaments, scuba fabric, nylon, fur, metal, pearls, spikes, leather, elastic, webbing, twill tape, grommets, plastic, rain gear fabric and the like or any combination thereof.

Given large enough elastic flexure of the band body 110 and the necessity for the protective layer 120 to elastically flex therewith, the protective layer 120 may not provide complete particulate matter protections and hydrophobic characteristics for the footwear article. However, even in such a circumstance, the protective layer 120 may provide partial particulate matter protections and hydrophobic characteristics for the footwear article and the fabrication material of the band body 110.

As an additive aesthetic enhancement, one or more aesthetic elements may be disposed upon the first side surface of the band body 110 in order to provide an attractive look for the individual based upon the individual's own aesthetic preferences. Specifically, the individual may select the one or more aesthetic elements as desired or the one or more aesthetic elements may be prefabricated upon the band body 110. Further, the one or more aesthetic elements may include, but are not limited to, leather, fur, rhinestones, studs, beads, pearls, chains, buckles, fringe, trim, patches, 3D flowers, pins, cording, lace, spikes, zippers, shoe lace, scuba, bows, metals and the like or any combination thereof.

While the addition of the one or more aesthetic elements are inherently aesthetic in nature, their prospective necessity for the marketability of the footwear retention elastic device 100A in the eyes of the individual results in the prospective necessity of the band body 110 and protective layer 120 to be fabricated in such a manner as to allow for the one or more aesthetic elements to be disposed upon the second side surface thereof. Further, the band body 110 and protective layer 120 may be fabricated to allow for the one or more aesthetic elements to move with the iterative elastic flexure of the band body 110 and protective layer 120. Specifically, the one or more aesthetic elements may be secured to the band body 110 and protective layer 120 via one or more of stitching, adhesion, pinning, clasping, clipping and the like or any combination thereof.

Further, the one or more aesthetic elements may be provided to an individual owner of a footwear article in a kit containing a plurality of aesthetic elements and the footwear retention elastic device 100A. The kit allows the individual to selectively choose one or more aesthetic elements of the plurality of aesthetic elements from the kit to be adorned upon the band body 110 also provided by the kit. Additionally, the kit may provide the securement means to manually secure the selected one or more aesthetic elements to the band body 110 and protective layer 120.

The buffer layer 130 may be disposed over a second side surface of the band body 110 to protect the footwear article and the second side of the band body 110 from frictional engagement and wear therebetween via one or more non-abrasive materials. Additionally, the buffer layer 130 may prevent frictional irritation between the skin of the individual's foot and the material of the band body 110. Specifically, the buffer layer 130 may be fabricated from the one or more non-abrasive materials including, but not limited to, cloth, fleece, velvet, lycra, silk satin, cotton linen, plush and the like or any combination thereof. The buffer layer 130 may be disposed over the second side surface of the band body 110 in any suitable manner such as, but not limited to, adhesion, lamination, spray-coating, liquid deposition and the like or any combination thereof.

Without the buffer layer 130, the band body 110 may likely rub against the footwear article during use in such a repetitive manner as to inflict aesthetic wear marks upon the exterior surface of the footwear article. While the buffer layer 130 may be utilized to reduce the frictional wear between the band body 110 and the footwear article, large enough elastic flexure of the band body 110 may result in the buffer layer 130 being diffusely spread across the band body 110 accordingly therewith. However, the buffer layer 130 may be applied to the second side surface of the band body 110 in such a way as to allow elastic flexure of the buffer layer 130 with the band body 110 in all linear and rotational directions.

The plurality of complimentary coupling elements 140A, 140B may be disposed at opposing terminal ends of the band body 110 so as to allow the plurality of complimentary coupling elements 140A, 140B to couple together and secure the opposing terminal ends of the band body 110 together. Additionally, the plurality of complimentary coupling elements 140A, 140B may be disposed upon opposite side surfaces of the band body 110 so as to allow the plurality of complimentary coupling elements 140A, 140B to couple together opposing terminal ends of the band body 110 by overlapping the first side surface of a first terminal end and the second side surface of a second terminal end.

The plurality of complimentary coupling elements 140A, 140B may complimentarily couple together in such a manner that both elements 140A, 140B are required to achieve coupling between the opposing terminal ends of the band body 110. The plurality of complimentary coupling elements 140A, 1408 may take any suitable form including, but not limited to, one or more of a clasp, a button, a magnet, a clip, a patch of hook and loop fasteners, a zipper, fabric ties, elastics, leather trims, shoelace ties and the like or any combination thereof. Further, the plurality of complimentary coupling elements 140A, 140B may be iteratively coupled together and separated by an individual as desired.

Specifically, the individual may selectively couple and remove the plurality of complimentary coupling elements 140A, 140B relative one another based upon whether the individual wants to wrap the band body 110 around the footwear article. When the individual does wrap the band body 110 around the footwear article, the band body 110 is preferably disposed around a waist of the footwear article. The waist is generally understood to be disposed within a middle portion of the footwear article at a point where the width of the sole of the footwear article reaches a minimum. The waist is fabricated into the footwear article in such a way as to conform to an arch of a foot of the individual wearing the footwear article.

Alternatively, the band body 110 may be disposed not only around the wait of the footwear article but also around the majority of the exterior of the footwear article. Such a configuration would allow the band body 110 to more fully protect the footwear article from being damaged by environmental contaminants including dirt, mud, debris, particulates, rain, snow, ice, water, ultraviolet light and the like or any combination thereof. In such a configuration, the protective layer 120 and the buffer layer 130 may accordingly be disposed around the majority of the exterior of the footwear article on first and second side surfaces of the band body 110, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 1B, a footwear retention elastic device 100B is provided in a cross-sectional view. The footwear retention elastic device 100B may preferably comprise a generally planar and elongate dimension with a generally rectangular shape in a manner similar to the footwear retention elastic device 100A, but may take any suitable form or shape. Specifically, the footwear retention elastic device 100B may comprise a band body 110, a protective layer 120, a buffer layer 130 and a plurality of complimentary coupling elements 140A, 140B.

The footwear retention elastic device 100B may be generally similar to the footwear retention elastic device 100A as described in the preceding paragraphs with respect to FIG. 1A. However, as opposed to FIG. 1A, the footwear retention elastic device 100B of FIG. 1B may comprise the plurality of complimentary coupling elements 140A, 140B respectively disposed over the opposing terminal ends of the band body 110 so as to allow the plurality of complimentary coupling elements 140A, 140B to couple together and secure the opposing terminal ends of the band body 110 together. Additionally, the plurality of complimentary coupling elements 140A, 140B may be disposed upon the vertical surfaces of each terminal end of the band body 110 so as to allow the plurality of complimentary coupling elements 140A, 140B to couple together opposing terminal ends of the band body 110 by simply placing adjacent one another the vertical surfaces of each terminal end thereof.

The plurality of complimentary coupling elements 140A, 140B may complimentarily couple together in such a manner that both elements 140A, 140B are required to achieve coupling between the opposing terminal ends of the band body 110. The plurality of complimentary coupling elements 140A, 140B may take any suitable form including, but not limited to, one or more of a clasp, a button, a magnet, a clip, a patch of hook and loop fasteners, a zipper, fabric ties, elastics, leather trims, shoelace ties and the like or any combination thereof. Further, the plurality of complimentary coupling elements 140A, 140B may be iteratively coupled together and separated by an individual as desired.

Specifically, the individual may selectively couple and remove the plurality of complimentary coupling elements 140A, 140B relative one another based upon whether the individual wants to wrap the band body 110 around the footwear article. When the individual does wrap the band body 110 around the footwear article, the band body 110 is preferably disposed around a waist of the footwear article. The waist is generally understood to be disposed within a middle portion of the footwear article at a point where the width of the sole of the footwear article reaches a minimum. The waist is fabricated into the footwear article in such a way as to conform to an arch of a foot of the individual wearing the footwear article.

As shown in FIG. 1C, a footwear retention elastic device 100C is provided in a cross-sectional view. The footwear retention elastic device 100C may preferably comprise a generally planar and rounded dimension with a generally annular shape in a manner similar to the footwear retention elastic device 100A, but may take any suitable form or shape. Specifically, the footwear retention elastic device 1008 may comprise a band body 110, a protective layer 120 and a buffer layer 130.

The footwear retention elastic device 100C may be generally similar to the footwear retention elastic device 100A as described in the preceding paragraphs with respect to FIG. 1A. However, as opposed to FIG. 1A, the footwear retention elastic device 100C of FIG. 1C may not utilize the plurality of complimentary coupling elements 140A, 1408 at all, but rather the band body 110 may be fabricated into a unitary band structure. Similarly, the protective layer 120 and the buffer layer 130 may also be accordingly fabricated into unitary band structures to correspond to the structure of the band body 110.

While variations of the footwear retention elastic device are illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1C, other similar variations may be implemented while not deviating from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Of the variations illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1C, the footwear retention elastic device 100A or similar variants thereof would be the preferred embodiment due to the plurality of complimentary coupling elements 140A, 140B being disposed upon opposing first and second side surfaces of the band body 110 in such a manner as to allow an individual to apply the footwear retention elastic device to footwear articles having a diversity of sizes and shapes. Specifically, as is known in the art, footwear articles may comprise a waist that has varying size and shape depending upon the given footwear article. In order to provide a footwear retention elastic device that is marketable to the diversity of footwear articles in the marketplace, it would be advantageous to utilize a footwear retention elastic device, such as that presented in FIG. 1A, that can accommodate the diversity of footwear article waist shapes and sizes in existence.

As shown in FIG. 2, a perspective view of a footwear system 200 utilizing a footwear retention elastic device 210 disposed around a waist 224 of a high-heeled shoe 220 is provided. The footwear system 200 may comprise the footwear retention elastic device 210 and a footwear article in the form of the high-heeled shoe 220. Specifically, the footwear retention elastic device 210 may be disposed around the dimensions of the high-heeled shoe 220 and preferably disposed around the waist 224 of the high-heeled shoe 220.

The footwear retention elastic device 210 is preferably disposed around the waist 224 in order to prevent the high-heeled shoe 220 from falling off of the foot of the individual wearing the shoe. The waist is generally understood to be disposed within a middle portion of the footwear article at a point where the width of the sole of the footwear article reaches a minimum. The waist is fabricated into the footwear article in such a way as to conform to an arch of a foot of the individual wearing the footwear article.

Alternatively, the footwear retention elastic device 210 may be disposed around the quarter 222 of the high-heeled shoe 220 in order to prevent it from falling off of the foot of the individual wearing the shoe. The quarter is generally understood to be disposed within a rear portion of the footwear article where the sole extends from the waist and terminates at the rear portion. The quarter is fabricated into the footwear article in such a way as to conform to the heel of a foot of the individual wearing the footwear article.

Similarly, the footwear retention elastic device 210 may alternatively be discoed around the toe cap 226 of the high-heeled shoe 220 in order to prevent it form falling off the foot of the individual wearing the shoe. The toe cap is generally understood to be disposed within a front portion of the footwear article where the sole extends from the waist and terminates at the front portion. The toe cap is fabricated into the footwear article in such a way as to conform to the toes of a foot of the individual wearing the footwear article.

As shown in FIG. 3, a perspective view of a footwear system 300 utilizing a footwear retention elastic device 310 disposed around a waist 324 of a booted shoe 320 is provided. The footwear system 300 may comprise the footwear retention elastic device 310 and a footwear article in the form of the booted shoe 320. Specifically, the footwear retention elastic device 310 may be disposed around the dimensions of the booted shoe 320 and preferably may be disposed around the waist 324 of the booted shoe 320.

In a similar manner to the high-heeled shoe 220 of FIG. 2, the booted shoe 320 of FIG. 3 may generally comprise a quarter or collar 322 disposed within a rear portion of the footwear article where the sole extends from the waist and terminates at the rear portion, a waist 324 disposed within a middle portion of the footwear article at a point where the width of the sole of the footwear article reaches a minimum, and a toe cap 326 disposed within a front portion of the footwear article where the sole extends from the waist and terminates at the front portion.

As shown in FIG. 4, a detailed view of a footwear retention elastic device 400 having a first side and a second side is provided. The footwear retention elastic device 400 may comprise a first threaded surface 410 on the first side and a second threaded surface 420 on the second side. The first threaded surface 410 may comprise a plurality of horizontal weaves 440 arranged in parallel rows along the length of a band. In some embodiments, the pitch of the parallel rows may be between 0.03 inches and 0.05 inches. The second threaded surface 420 may comprise an array of braided diamond-shaped weaves 430 arranged in parallel rows along the length of the band. In some embodiments, the pitch of the parallel rows may be between 0.06 inches and 0.1 inches.

In some embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1A-4, the band body may generally be fabricated from one or more materials such as polyester, elastane, nylon, cotton or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, band body may be fabricated from a plurality of rubber cores where each rubber core may have a plurality of fibers wrapped therearound. The fibers may be made from polyester, elastane, nylon and/or cotton. Further, the plurality of rubber cores may be woven together into a band to form the band body.

The fabrication materials of the band body may determine that the material utilized for the protective layer and the buffer layer be identical to that of the band body. Specifically, the material utilized in the fabrication of the band body may dictate the material, structure, dimension, weaving pattern, aesthetic appearance and the like of the protective and buffer layers. Therefore, the protective layer may comprise a plurality of horizontal weaves arranged in parallel rows along the length of the band where the pitch of the parallel rows is between 0.03 inches and 0.05 inches. The tightly weaved rows of the protective layer provide the utility of protecting the band body from external environmental contaminants and debris as described previously. Specifically, a pitch of between 0.03 inches and 0.05 inches provides a braided weave tight enough to prevent the introduction of contaminants and debris but not so tight as to unnecessarily increase the difficulty and cost of manufacturing or negate the usability of the band body fabrication materials.

Similarly, the buffer layer may comprise an array of braided diamond-shaped weaves arranged in parallel rows along the length of the band where the pitch of the parallel rows is between 0.06 inches and 0.1 inches. The array of braided weaves of the buffer layer may correspond to the plurality of horizontal weaves of the protective layer. Specifically, the weaving of the horizontal weaves of the protective layer on the exterior surface of the band body dictates that the buffer layer comprises the array of braided diamond-shaped weaves on the interior surface of the band body. The pitch of between 0.06 inches and 0.1 inches provides a braided weave for the buffer layer that is loose enough to prevent abrasion of an exterior surface of a footwear article thereunder but tight enough to allow an adequate frictional engagement between the buffer layer and the exterior surface of the footwear article. Adequate frictional engagement may comprise a coefficient of friction between the non-abrasive fabrication materials of the buffer layer and the exterior surface of the footwear article of 0.15 to 0.30. In this context, a coefficient of friction of below 0.15 would not provide adequate frictional engagement between the buffer layer and the exterior surface of the footwear article. A coefficient of friction of above 0.30 would be too high and thereby generate abrasion between the buffer layer and the exterior surface of the footwear article which creates aesthetic flaws in the appearance of the footwear article.

Further, the fabrication material of the band body and thereby of the protective layer and the buffer layer may provide the band body with a requisite level of restorative force that allows the band body to be manipulated between the extended and default states. In this context, a requisite level of restorative force is a minimum of 2.25 Newtons as this threshold value allows for rotational stabilization of the band body around the footwear article in the extended state. Any value of restorative force above 2.25 Newtons could be suitable for the band body depending upon the fabrication material selected and the width and material of the footwear article. Specifically, too great a restorative force of the band body upon the footwear article will result in abrasion of the exterior surface of the footwear article by the buffer layer of band body.

The specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. However, it will be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereunto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims. Other variations are within the spirit of the present disclosure. Thus, while the disclosed techniques are susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrated embodiments thereof are shown in the drawings and have been described above in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form or forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

The use of the terms “a,” “an,” “the,” and similar referents in the context of describing the disclosed embodiments (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. The term “connected,” where unmodified and referring to physical connections, is to be construed as partly or wholly contained within, attached to, or joined together, even if there is something intervening. Recitation of ranges of values are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited. The use of the term “set” (e.g., “a set of items”) or “subset” unless otherwise noted or contradicted by context, is to be construed as a nonempty collection comprising one or more members. Further, unless otherwise noted or contradicted by context, the term “subset” of a corresponding set does not necessarily denote a proper subset of the corresponding set, but the subset and the corresponding set may be equal.

Conjunctive language, such as phrases of the form “at least one of A, B, and C,” or “at least one of A, B and C,” is understood with the context as used in general to present that an item, term, etc., may be either A or B or C, or any nonempty subset of the set of A and B and C, unless specifically stated otherwise or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. For instance, in the illustrative example of a set having three members, the conjunctive phrases “at least one of A, B, and C” and “at least one of A, B and C” refer to any of the following sets: {A}, {B}, {C}, {A, B}, {A, C}, {B, C}, {A, B, C}. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require at least one of A, at least one of B and at least one of C each to be present. In addition, unless otherwise noted or contradicted by context, the term “plurality” indicates a state of being plural (e.g., “a plurality of items” indicates multiple items). The number of items in a plurality is at least two, but can be more when so indicated either explicitly or by context.

The use of any examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided, is intended merely to better illuminate embodiments of the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

Embodiments of this disclosure are described, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate and the inventors intend for embodiments of the present disclosure to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, although above-described elements may be described in the context of certain embodiments of the specification, unless stated otherwise or otherwise clear from context, these elements are not mutually exclusive to only those embodiments in which they are described; any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the scope of the present disclosure unless otherwise indicated or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety. 

1. A footwear retention elastic device, comprising: a band body comprising a planar structure with a first side surface and a second side surface opposite that of the first side surface, wherein the band body further comprises a first terminal end and a second terminal end opposite that of the first terminal end; a protective layer disposed upon the first side surface, wherein the protective layer covers at least a majority of the first side surface of the band body; and a buffer layer disposed upon the second side surface, wherein the buffer layer covers at least a majority of the second side surface of the band body.
 2. The footwear retention elastic device of claim 1, further comprising: a coupling mechanism securing the first terminal end to the second terminal end, wherein the coupling mechanism is disposed at the first terminal end and the second terminal end.
 3. The footwear retention elastic device of claim 2, wherein the coupling mechanism comprises a plurality of complimentary coupling elements, and wherein a first coupling element of the plurality of complimentary coupling elements is disposed at the first terminal end and a second coupling element of the plurality of complimentary coupling elements is disposed at the second terminal end.
 4. The footwear retention elastic device of claim 3, wherein the plurality of complimentary coupling elements comprise one or more of a clasp, a button, a magnet, a clip, a patch of hook and loop fasteners, a zipper, fabric ties, elastics, leather trims, shoelace ties or any combination thereof.
 5. The footwear retention elastic device of claim 1, wherein the band body is fabricated from one or more of polyester, elastane, cotton and any combination thereof.
 6. The footwear retention elastic device of claim 1, wherein the band body is manipulated between a default state and an extended state.
 7. The footwear retention elastic device of claim 6, wherein the first terminal end is uncoupled from the second terminal end when the band body is in the default state.
 8. The footwear retention elastic device of claim 6, wherein the first terminal end is coupled to the second terminal end when the band body is in the extended state.
 9. The footwear retention elastic device of claim 6, wherein the band body comprises an elongate shape and a length-by-width dimensional ratio value of between 4 and 9 when the band body is in the extended state.
 10. The footwear retention elastic device of claim 6, wherein, in the extended state, the band body provides a minimum restorative force of 2.25 Newtons.
 11. The footwear retention elastic device of claim 1, wherein the protective layer is fabricated from one or more weatherproof materials including polyurethane laminate, thermoplastic polyurethane, waxed cotton, nylon, woven polyester, PVC coated polyester, terylene, laminated cotton, enameled cloth, polyester fleece, polyester microfiber, wool, polyvinyl chloride, micro denier filaments or any combination thereof.
 12. The footwear retention elastic device of claim 1, wherein the buffer layer is fabricated from one or more non-abrasive materials including cloth, fleece, velvet, elastane, silk satin, cotton linen, woven polyester, plush or any combination thereof.
 13. The footwear retention elastic device of claim 12, wherein the one or more non-abrasive materials comprise a coefficient of friction with a footwear article of between 0.15 and 0.30.
 14. The footwear retention elastic device of claim 1, wherein the band body is fabricated from a plurality of rubber cores each wrapped in a plurality of fibers, wherein the plurality of rubber cores are woven together into a band.
 15. The footwear retention elastic device of claim 14, wherein the protective layer comprises a plurality of horizontal weaves arranged in parallel rows along the length of the band, wherein the pitch of the parallel rows is between 0.03 inches and 0.05 inches.
 16. The footwear retention elastic device of claim 14, wherein the buffer layer comprises an array of braided diamond-shaped weaves arranged in parallel rows along the length of the band, wherein the pitch of the parallel rows is between 0.06 inches and 0.1 inches.
 17. The footwear retention elastic device of claim 1, further comprising: the band body is fabricated from a plurality of rubber cores each wrapped in a plurality of fibers, wherein the plurality of rubber cores are woven together into a band; the protective layer comprises a plurality of horizontal weaves arranged in parallel rows along the length of the band; and the buffer layer comprises an array of braided diamond-shaped weaves arranged in parallel rows along the length of the band.
 18. The footwear retention elastic device of claim 1, further comprising: the band body is fabricated from a plurality of rubber cores each wrapped in a plurality of fibers, wherein the plurality of rubber cores are woven together into a band; the protective layer comprises a plurality of horizontal weaves arranged in parallel rows along the length of the band, wherein the pitch of the parallel rows is between 0.03 inches and 0.05 inches; and the buffer layer comprises an array of braided diamond-shaped weaves arranged in parallel rows along the length of the band, wherein the pitch of the parallel rows is between 0.06 inches and 0.1 inches.
 19. A footwear retention elastic device, comprising: a band body comprising a planar structure with a first side surface and a second side surface opposite that of the first side surface, wherein: the band body further comprises a first terminal end and a second terminal end opposite that of the first terminal end, and the band body is fabricated from a plurality of rubber cores each wrapped in a plurality of fibers, wherein the plurality of rubber cores are woven together into a band; a protective layer disposed upon the first side surface, wherein: the protective layer covers at least a majority of the first side surface of the band body, and the protective layer comprises a plurality of horizontal weaves arranged in parallel rows along the length of the band; and a buffer layer disposed upon the second side surface, wherein: the buffer layer covers at least a majority of the second side surface of the band body, and the buffer layer comprises an array of braided diamond-shaped weaves arranged in parallel rows along the length of the band.
 20. A footwear retention elastic device, comprising: a band body comprising a planar structure with a first side surface and a second side surface opposite that of the first side surface, wherein: the band body further comprises a first terminal end and a second terminal end opposite that of the first terminal end, the band body is fabricated from a plurality of rubber cores each wrapped in a plurality of fibers, wherein the plurality of rubber cores are woven together into a band, and the band body is manipulated between a default state and an extended state, wherein, in the extended state, the band body provides a minimum restorative force of 2.25 Newtons and comprises an elongate shape and a length-by-width dimensional ratio value of between 4 and 9 when the band body is in the extended state; a protective layer disposed upon the first side surface, wherein: the protective layer covers at least a majority of the first side surface of the band body, and the protective layer comprises a plurality of horizontal weaves arranged in parallel rows along the length of the band, wherein the pitch of the parallel rows is between 0.03 inches and 0.05 inches; and a buffer layer disposed upon the second side surface, wherein: the buffer layer covers at least a majority of the second side surface of the band body, and the buffer layer comprises an array of braided diamond-shaped weaves arranged in parallel rows along the length of the band, wherein the pitch of the parallel rows is between 0.06 inches and 0.1 inches. 